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The United States Lifesaving Association is often asked for recommendations regarding minimum equipment standards for lifeguards at open water beaches. A list of this equipment has been developed by USLA and is reprinted below. This equipment is required of any organization seeking to be recognized under the USLA Lifeguard Agency Certification Program.

These recommendations are a minimum which all open water beach lifeguard providers should meet. Agencies are encouraged to meet higher standards, particularly in cases where lifeguards are assigned to broader responsibilities. For example, lifeguards assigned to scuba search and rescue would obviously need proper scuba equipment appropriate to open water rescuers. Similarly, lifeguards assigned to paramedic, EMT, law enforcement, cliff rescue, boating enforcement, and other duties, would need, in addition to the following, equipment appropriate to those duties.

Rescue

At least one rescue flotation device (RFD) for each lifeguard on duty

Mask(s) and snorkel(s) readily accessible to mount an underwater search and rescue, as appropriate

Binoculars readily accessible in the beach area, as well as in each main tower and emergency vehicle